Think Long Term To Save Money

When it comes to saving money there's the immediate benefit you get by making simple changes in your life, but there also long term savings to be realized with a minimal upfront investment. I have a few ideas from my life that come to mind immediately, but I would also love to hear your suggestions as well.

A couple of years back I had a slow shower drain that would get better after pouring some drain cleaner down it, but get worse pretty quickly. I found myself frequently spending money drain cleaner. Then one day in the aisle with the drain cleaner I saw a rubber "hair trap" that you place over your shower drain to keep hair from going down. It was only $0.99 so I figured I would give it a try. Since that day a couple of years ago I have not had a need to buy any more drain cleaner. That $0.99 investment saved the cost of many, MANY, bottles!

Another example I have relates to auto repair. In the spring of 2008 I got a 2006 Saturn Ion. That summer I hit a pot hole that caused a flat tire. I had been going to Firestone for years, so I went there to get my new tires (had to replace both front tires). At that time they offered to me unlimited lifetime alignments for a one time $20 payment on top of the cost of a regular alignment. I did some simple math and quickly saw the benefit since the car was only 2 years old and I would more than likely need future alignments. I was able to take advantage of one free alignment when I went back in 2009 to get my rear tires replaced. Unfortunately my car saw an early death as it was totaled in a multi-car pile up on an icy highway. I fully intend to add the lifetime alignments to my new car.

With a little upfront investment I'm sure you too will find ways in your life to save money in the long run.

Are coupons worth it?

I just came across this article from the Wall Street Journal about the rise in coupon redemption. It's a great article!

Farmers Markets

I'm sure it seems like prices continue to rise on the fruits and vegetables you regularly buy. You'll be able to stretch your dollar farther by buying directly from the farmer at a market. You'll get fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown right in your area, rather than picked early and shipped across the country (or the globe!). You'll also get to by more for the same value than you can at your local grocery store. If you're finding that you aren't able to go through all that you've bought you can try splitting the cost with another person (friend, family, etc.). Not only will you be saving money, you'll be helping the other person save as well.

Comparison Shop Online

This morning I finally got back to looking at grocery store circulars to help me prepare my shopping list. I used to do this every week before I canceled my subscription to the Sunday paper. I realized I was already reading my news online, and the only reason I was keeping the paper was for coupons. But I was spending more for the paper than I was saving in coupons, so last year I made the decision to cancel my subscription. Since then I really haven't taken the time to compare grocery store prices too much. I had signed up to receive the weekly circular from the store I shop at most, but I never knew if I was missing out on deals from other stores. So this morning I loaded up the online circulars from all the area grocery stores, and found some great deals I may have missed had I simply gone to my main store of choice.

I love Amazon.com

For the most part I'm your typical guy who doesn't find going out to stores or the mall to shop a relaxing day. I'd rather just go in, get what I need, and get out, without having to deal with the crowds. I like online shopping because I can go at my own pace, and take time to look at items. And that's what brought me to this post.

Valentine's day is coming up, and I had a fairly good idea of what I want to get for my someone special (shh, I'm not telling since it's still before Valentine's Day). I turned to Amazon.com for a couple of reasons -- I shop there frequently, I knew they had the couple of things I wanted, and most importantly they offer FREE Super Saver Shipping when you spend $25 or more on qualifying purchases.

The free shipping is the main reason I keep coming back. I know I can get the items I want at about the same price as I could find them in a store, and I won't be paying extra for shipping charges. My son's birthday is coming up shortly, and I could have put his gifts in the same order, which I really wish I did. But I know I'll be spending more than $25 on him anyway, so I don't have to worry about free shipping.

There's always that excitement of getting mail at home that isn't a bill!

Save money on Twist Ties

There is never, a need to buy twist ties! EVER! Sure, twist ties are handy to have around for various projects. You can use twist ties to close garbage bags, to secure non-garbage bags, as a quick repair for a broken shoe lace, to tie loose computer and TV wires together, hang Christmas ornaments, secure luggage zippers as a make-shift lock, and many more.

Even with all of these uses, you should never spend money on buying twist ties. All you need to do is start saving the twist ties that come in packaging you use on a daily basis. The most common source for twist ties are on bread packages. Additional sources include packaging on any type of product. But bread is your main source. As you finish each loaf just start saving the twist ties, or start using them for any of the ideas mentioned above. It's not neccessary to save them forever. Once you feel you have saved enough you can stop. Just be sure to keep enough on hand for situations that come up where you'll need them.

More ideas for using samples

I just posted last week that you can stretch your budget by using up your various samples of toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other items. But I neglected one area of free items which we all have in our homes, and many times our cars too -- things from fast food restaurants. Just take a look around your house, do you have extra ketchup packets, salt & pepper packets, napkins, plastic cutlery, or straws? You probably keep telling yourself that you will use these things one day, and that's why you can't throw any of these free items out. Well, now is the time to use them! Next time you're serving hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, or sausages use your ketchup and mustard packets first before grabbing for the ketchup and mustard bottles. If you want to add salt to your fries, grab for those extra salt packets. Use up all those extra napkins you've brought home with the intention of using. And all that plastic cutlery can be used on meals that you take to work. Not only will this suggestions eliminate the clutter of trying to store this stuff, you will be able to stretch your budget while you do this.